Dubbed “nature’s happy herb” by RealAge.com, an online health and wellness resource, saffron (crocus sativus), an expensive spice, may be just the right remedy to relieve premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms in women. An exotic spice native to India, it is well known in the culinary world for its characteristic taste and pleasing color. Highly regarded as a medicinal herb, saffron is used in Ayurveda, (traditional Indian medicine) to primarily treat digestive and urinary disorders. Recent clinical evidence suggests that the spice may also be useful in treating PMS symptoms.
PMS symptoms, experienced in the latter half of the menstrual cycle, are characterized by moderate to severe emotional symptoms of anxiety and depression. Among many other symptoms, some PMS sufferers also experience insomnia, fatigue, and food cravings, according to the Bastyr Center for Natural Health, a leading natural health care provider based in the Pacific Northwest.
Clinical Evidence Suggests that Saffron eases PMS Symptoms
An Iranian study, published in the March 2008 edition of British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, reported that supplementing with saffron could bring relief to women suffering from PMS. The double blind placebo controlled study included 50 women between the ages of 20 and 45 who had regular menstrual cycles and had experienced PMS symptoms for six months or longer. The group of women was randomly divided to either get a 15 milligram (15mg) supplement of saffron or a capsule placebo twice a day for two menstrual cycles. The women taking the saffron supplement experienced significant relief both in terms of PMS and depression symptoms as compared to the women who took a placebo capsule.
Earlier studies from Tehran indicate that saffron may ease mild to moderate depression symptoms in adults. A study published in the BMC Complimentary and Alternative Medicine journal compared saffron to the drug imipramine in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. The researchers concluded that 30 mg of saffron was as effective as 100mg of imipramine in treating mild to moderate depression.
Saffron and PMS: The Bottom Line
While prescription anti-depressant medications are often prescribed to effectively treat the condition, many women seek natural solutions to treat their recurring PMS symptoms. Although larger studies are needed to better define saffron’s role in treating PMS, some alternative medicine doctors recommend giving the spice a try.
The Bastyr Institute recommends trying a saffron supplement or at least adding the spice to the diet along with making other lifestyle changes such as incorporating regular physical exercise, avoiding caffeine and sugar, and trying a calcium, vitamin B6 and magnesium supplement to relieve premenstrual symptoms.
Dr. Michael Roizon and Dr. Mehmet Oz, founders of RealAge.com, write that given that saffron is an expensive spice, supplementing with it is not feasible in the long run. The doctors say, “Until the researchers totally prove their findings - and control the costs - there's no reason not to use saffron to punch up meals around that time of the month. For one thing, it kicks up the taste of chicken, rice, and vegetables, so you can skip salt.”
Sources:
- Bastyr Center for Natural Health; “Saffron Relieves PMS Symptoms”. Bastyrcenter.org. Accessed, August 4, 2010
- BMC Complimentary and Alternative Medicine; “Comparison of Crocus sativus L. and Imipramine in the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Depression”. Nih.gov, August 4, 2010
- British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology; “Crocus Sativus L. (saffron) in the Treatment of Premenstrual Syndrome. Nih.gov. Accessed, August 3, 2010
- Maitra, Anjana, September 24, 2006, Bolo Kids; “Saffron-The Magical Herb”. Bolokids.com. Accessed, August 4, 2010
- July 18, 2009, Real Age; “Nature’s Happy Herb-It’s in your Kitchen”. Realage.com. Accessed August, 5, 2010
- Roizen, M, Oz, Mehmet, June 15, 2010, “The best foods, vitamins to fight PMS; weight loss key to handling heartburn”. Cleveland.com. Accessed, August 6, 2010
Arathi Srikantaiah - Arathi Srikantaiah is a freelance writer based in the Pacific Northwest. She has been writing travel, education, green living and health ...
